Motor Practice, Learning, and Dopamine Prediction Mechanisms Flashcards
What are the three dopamine-related aspects involved in practice and learning?
Liking, learning, and wanting.
What is the prediction error mechanism?
A system where dopamine neuron firing changes based on whether outcomes are better or worse than expected.
What happens when an outcome is better than predicted?
Dopamine neurons fire faster (↑ AP rate), reinforcing learning.
What happens when an outcome is worse than predicted?
Dopamine neuron firing decreases (↓ AP rate), signaling disappointment.
What happens when the brain accurately predicts an outcome?
Dopamine neuron firing remains steady at baseline (~5 AP/sec); no learning occurs.
How does the brain use prediction error to learn?
It updates expectations and focuses attention on what caused the unexpected outcome.
What is an example of a real-life dopamine prediction error?
Car starts when expected not to — dopamine spikes and brain takes note.
What part of the brain helps track patterns and make predictions?
The prefrontal cortex (PFC).
What happens when the brain is unable to form predictions?
It becomes hyper-focused on uncertain events (e.g., gambling, sports, superstitions).
What is the “power of maybe” in dopamine prediction?
Unpredictable outcomes increase dopamine activity due to lack of reliable predictions.
How does dopamine influence wanting behavior?
Repeated use of DA agonists rewires circuits to compulsively seek rewards.
What brain connection becomes stronger in addiction?
Between the orbital frontal cortex and the dorsal striatum.
What does the orbital frontal cortex do in motivated behavior?
Directs short-term reward-seeking behavior.
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
Strengthening of synaptic connections through repeated activity, making future firing more likely.
What is long-term depression (LTD)?
Weakening of synaptic connections — often seen in motor refinement.
How does practice improve motor memory?
Repeated actions reinforce motor programs via LTP in basal ganglia circuits.
What part of the brain generates and stores motor programs?
The basal ganglia.
Why does writing by hand improve memory retention over typing?
It uses a more unique motor program, enhancing learning via motor encoding.
Why does drawing enhance memory even more than writing?
It creates the most unique motor patterns, strongly activating motor memory systems.
What analogy explains why unique motor programs aid memory?
Like bike riding — you can’t verbalize every step, but your body remembers.
